The Return of StrictlyVC to the Big Apple
After a hiatus since 2024, StrictlyVC is officially making its highly anticipated return to New York City. We are pulling back the curtain, extending an invitation to the broader ecosystem of founders, venture capitalists, and dealmakers to experience the exclusive, high-level networking and candid dialogue that has become our hallmark.
For years, StrictlyVC has curated intimate, high-impact gatherings designed to foster the kind of transparent, off-the-record discussions that are rarely found in traditional conference settings. Our upcoming NYC installment is scheduled for September 10 at the West Village’s Ideal Glass Studios. General admission passes are currently available for $180; you can register here.
Why New York is the Epicenter of Innovation
The momentum behind New York’s startup ecosystem is undeniable. Data from a recent Tech:NYC report highlights a significant surge in activity during the first half of 2026. Specifically, over 240 local startups secured a total of $1.13 billion in seed funding, marking a notable increase from the $1.06 billion recorded in the first half of 2025. Furthermore, the average seed round has expanded from $5.4 million to $6.64 million, signaling increased investor confidence.
When looking at the broader landscape, the growth is even more staggering. New York-based companies pulled in a massive $16 billion in total funding during the first six months of 2026 alone. To put that in perspective, this figure is rapidly approaching the $19.1 billion total raised throughout the entirety of 2025, proving that the city’s venture market is not just recovering-it is thriving.
A Diverse Landscape of Growth
This influx of capital is not concentrated in a single niche; rather, it is fueling innovation across a wide spectrum of industries. From the rapid integration of generative AI and advancements in digital health to critical breakthroughs in climate tech, the diversity of the NYC startup scene is its greatest strength. As the city continues to solidify its position as a global tech hub, events like ours serve as the essential meeting ground for the visionaries driving this progress.
